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BOTSWANA – Seedstars World, the largest startup competition for emerging markets will be holding its dynamic pitch event for the fourth time on 9 November 2018 at the Botswana Innovation Hub.

The companies selected to pitch at the Seedstars Gaborone event need to be less than two years old, and must have raised less than US$500K in funding and built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction. The Seedstars team is searching for one additional criterion: the startup’s regional and global scalability.

Applications are open until October 29th and startups are invited to apply at https://seedsta.rs/Gaborone. After careful screening, the Seedstars team will shortlist around ten of the best seed-stage startups in Botswana to pitch on November 9th for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit, that annually takes place in Switzerland.

“Seedstars World is a platform that connects investors and stakeholders with the next generation of entrepreneurs. Since this will be our fourth time organizing the event in Gaborone, the stakes are high and we are very excited. We’ve been in this ecosystem for more than three years now and know there are companies in Botswana developing high-quality products. We are looking for the best and will take it with us to Switzerland in 2019!”, says Claudia Makadristo, Regional Manager for Africa at Seedstars.

In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars is closely working with Udugu Institute, who is representing the initiative in Botswana throughout the year.

Commenting on the coming event Thabo Theron, Co-founder, and MD at Udugu Institute Botswana says: “Since our participation as Ambassadors in 2015, we have seen a steady rise of talent in tech and innovation in Botswana. Seedstars provides the perfect platform for our local rock-stars to represent the country regionally and at the Global Summit. We are proud to be partners in this initiative and look forward to even greater opportunities being presented to our ecosystem through this partnership.”

Seedstars is also working closely with Stanbic Bank, who are the main sponsors of the event. "This is our 3rd year of partnering with Seedstars. It has been a worthwhile journey as through this partnership we continue to cement our dedication to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship and in the process creating an environment where some of Botswana's ecosystem challenges are addressed – jobs are created, importation of goods, services & talent is reduced. Augmenting this value chain of innovative creations goes a long way in building a thriving economy” explains Onkabetse Morapedi, Head, Enterprise Banking at Stanbic Bank.

It’s Seedstars’ goal to place the spotlight on entrepreneurs from emerging markets, especially those targeting solutions that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. With that in mind, Seedstars World is traveling to more than 65 countries to identify the most innovative seed-stage startups, awarding them the opportunity to win up to USD 1 million and network with investors and mentors from around the world at the global Seedstars Summit in Switzerland. Its previous participants have raised over US$ 120million collectively, employing more than 2,100 employees worldwide.

Selected startups will give a five-minute pitch in English, in front of a jury and members of the public. Members of the press are welcome to come and join the fun and should register on the above Seedstars Gaborone website as well!